KFDA-

Two defendants facing murder charges in Texas County, Oklahoma, pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday morning.

Tad Cullum and Cole Twombly have pleaded not guilty to the murders of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley.

In today’s hearing, Cullum entered a plea of not guilty. He has a jury trial set for June 1, 2026.

Twombly stood mute and did not enter a plea in court today. The courts then entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

His trial is set for October 19, 2026.

The two women went missing in March of 2024 while traveling to pick up children.

Tad Cullum, Cole Twombly, Cora Twombly, Tifany Adams and Paul Grice are all accused of conspiring to murder the women.

They were all charged with murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit murder charges.

Tifany Adams previously pleaded no-contest to her charges.

Cora Twombly and Paul Grice have individual plea agreements in place. They appear in court again in August 2026.

The Oklahoma State District Attorney filed documents in October stating prosecution will seek the death penalty against Tad Cullum and Cole Twombly.